Alyssa Michalke — From the Corps to the Court

Future Repairs At The Brazos County Expo Approved By County Commissioners Following Additions By The Court’s Two Newest Members

Comments from newly elected Brazos County commissioners Bentley Nettles and Fred Brown figure into two decisions involving future repairs at the Brazos County Expo complex. Nettles received no opposition to adding to the committee that will review proposals from architects and construction managers at risk, a member of the Brazos Valley Fair Board and a representative of the agriculture community. And there was no opposition to Brown’s request to discuss how to increase revenue at the Expo complex, where he says the county is losing $1.2 million dollars a year. Click below to hear comments about the Brazos Valley Expo from the February 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting: Listen to “Future repairs at the Brazos County Expo approved by county commissioners following additions by the court's two newest members” on Spreaker.

Texas A&M Announces A New Corps Of Cadets Commandant

Texas A&M’s corps of cadets has a new commandant. Retiring Marines general James Bierman Jr. has a bachelor’s degree from the Virginia Military Institute and a master’s from the College of Naval Warfare. Bierman starts at A&M on August first, following his retirement from active duty. He has been serving as a Marines deputy commandant. News release from Texas A&M: Texas A&M University has selected U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman Jr. as the 47th commandant of the Corps of Cadets. Bierman will step into this role on Aug. 1, upon his retirement from active duty. As commandant, Bierman will provide leadership and oversight for the operations and administration of the Corps of Cadets, the largest uniformed student organization in the nation outside of the military academies. As the “Keepers of the Spirit,” many of the university’s sacred traditions — such as Muster, Silver Taps and Midnight Yell — rely on cadets. As commandant, Bierman will also serve as head of the School of Military Sciences and liaison for academic matters between the university and three ROTC departments. Bierman currently serves as deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he is responsible for the development and execution of service plans and policies related to the operations, structure, deployment and employment of the Marine Corps. “It’s truly humbling and exciting to join the team at Texas A&M University as the commandant of the Corps of Cadets,” said Bierman. “Throughout my Marine Corps career, I’ve encountered many Aggie servant-leaders who are a credit to this time-honored system. I’m fully committed to the mission of the Corps, and to maintaining its proud place in this great university.” Bierman has 37 years of expertise in operations, problem-solving, recruiting, training and education, strategic communications, resourcing and budget execution. He also has more than 20 years of command experience, including combat commands in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He is a graduate of the U.S. military’s The Basic School, Infantry Officer Course, Intelligence Officers Course, Amphibious Warfare School, Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Warfighting and the College of Naval Warfare. “Lt. Gen. Bierman is an exemplary combat-proven leader and a decorated Marine infantry officer,” said Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M. “His commitment to service and leadership aligns perfectly with the mission and Core Values of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. I’m confident he will be a stellar role model for young Aggies, embodying character, competence and dedication to living a respected and respectful life. He is the right person to lead our ‘Keepers of the Spirit’ as we head into the next 150 years of this great university.” Bierman received numerous military awards during his career. These include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with gold star, the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Arts in national security studies from the College of Naval Warfare. Bierman’s selection comes after a national search that attracted numerous exceptional candidates.

50 Years At The Eagle For Sports Editor Robert Cessna

The sports editor at The Eagle, Robert Cessna, visits with WTAW’s Bill Oliver on his 50th anniversary with the Bryan-based newspaper. Listen to “50 years at The Eagle for Sports Editor Robert Cessna” on Spreaker.